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Writer's picturedollyoksman

Stressed and Depressed? Here's What Your Emotions Are Trying to Tell You

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed out? Do you often wonder why you're feeling that way and what you can do to stop it? You're not alone. Stress and other unpleasant emotions are part of being human.




However, when they become chronic, you must STOP and LISTEN to them. They have important messages for you. If you adhere to their call, it will transform your life and bring you a sense of peace, control, and joy.


What Are Emotions?


Emotions are a natural and automatic response to different stimuli in our environment. Think of emotions as your built-in warning system that alerts you to potential threats or opportunities.


Stress is often viewed as a negative emotion. Still, it's a natural response to what you perceive as a threat.

When your body detects danger or a challenge, it releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help you respond. Stress is your fight-or-flight response, designed to help you survive in a world of physical threats. In modern times, it's often triggered by non-life-threatening events like work deadlines, financial worries, or relationship issues.


So, what does stress mean? Stress is a warning sign that something in your inner world is off balance. Stress is triggered by stimuli that threaten you, make you feel uncomfortable, or disagree with what you believe, your values, or standards. Stress is an invitation to pause, evaluate, make changes, or learn to adapt to restore inner balance and harmony. 


Uncovering the Meaning of Other Unpleasant Emotions


Stress is just one of many unpleasant emotions we experience. Others include anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness. Each of these emotions has a specific purpose and message to tell you. What are they trying to say to you?


Anxiety: Anxiety is a warning sign that you're uncertain or unprepared for what will happen. When you can't predict the outcome or when you can't see what lies ahead, you start to panic. Anxiety signals you to take deep breaths, slow down, gather information, create a plan, and ask for help if needed. 


Fear: Fear is a natural response to a perceived threat. One of the most common sources of fear is the unknown. People usually feel threatened by something they can't perceive or see. Fear reminds you to be cautious, set boundaries, and prioritize safety. 


Anger: Anger is a sign that your boundaries have been crossed or your values have been compromised. It's a call to action, urging you to stand up for yourself and assert your needs. Anger is a powerful emotion that, if channeled properly, can be a significant force for change and transformation.


Sadness: Sadness is a natural response to loss, separation, or unmet needs. It reminds us to be gentle and compassionate with ourselves, slow down, process our emotions, and acknowledge our needs. Sadness can also be a sign that you're not living in alignment with your values or desires. It can also show us what matters and is essential to you.



Common Themes and Patterns


Identifying your unpleasant emotions' common themes and patterns will allow you to see why you have these feelings. Hence, you can find practical solutions to address them.


Here are some themes and patterns:


Control and Powerlessness: Many unpleasant emotions, such as anxiety, fear, and anger, stem from feelings of powerlessness or lack of control. Our emotions can become intense and uncomfortable when we feel overwhelmed or trapped. 


Self-Protection: Emotions like fear, anger, and anxiety are designed to protect you from harm. However, when you're unaware of your emotions, you may overreact or respond in ways that harm yourself or others.


Unmet Needs: Unpleasant emotions often arise when our needs are unmet. This can include needs for safety, security, love, connection, or autonomy. Remember that time when your boss or your significant others fail to show you appreciation? How do you feel? When you feel sad, frustrated, or angry, perhaps your needs are not met.


What Can You Do?

So, what can we do with this newfound understanding of stress and other unpleasant emotions? Increase your self-awareness by uncovering the meaning behind your emotions so you can find peace:


Pause and Reflect: When you feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, step back and reflect on what's causing these emotions. Ask yourself questions like: "What am I afraid of?" "What do I need right now?" or "What boundary do I need to set?" Self-awareness is vital to helping you reduce stress and other unpleasant emotions.


Identify Patterns: Notice patterns and themes in your emotions. Are you frequently anxious about specific situations or relationships, such as how your boss treats you at work, financial worries, or relationship issues? Identify the common thread and address the underlying problem to break the pattern.


Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a close friend. Acknowledge your emotions and be gentle with yourself. Remember, your worth doesn't change even when you make mistakes. When you have struggled to love yourself, join our Self-Love Mastery or connect with me. I can guide you through developing a deeper love for yourself.


Take Action: Once you've identified the underlying cause of your emotions, take action to address it. This may involve setting boundaries, seeking support, changing your environment or relationships, or getting a coach. Schedule your complimentary session here  if you want to know the root cause and message of your stress and other unpleasant feelings.


Important note: Limited spots are available for a Complimentary Transformational Coaching Session.


Conclusion

Stress and other unpleasant emotions are not enemies. Therefore, don't fight or suppress them. Remember, they're messengers that convey essential information about your needs, desires, and values. By understanding the meaning behind these emotions, you can begin to address their underlying causes and find peace. 


If you're interested in learning more about emotions and how to manage them, be sure to check out our upcoming blog posts and resources. We're here to support you on your journey. Subscribe here to get our latest resources. 


God bless you, Beautiful You, may you always Live in the Power of Love


Don't forget to follow us and share this blog with your family, friends, and co-workers who may need this message.



In love, joy, and peace, 

Dolly Oksman


 


About Dolly


Dolly Tampos Oksman, MA, MAED-SPED, is a Transformational Speaker, Author, Certified Wellness Coach, Special Education Teacher, and Behavior Analyst. She is the Founder and Owner of Love. Heal. Believe. LLC.


Dolly experienced chronic stress that affected her mental and emotional health. However, when she entered the convent to be a missionary nun, she learned the secrets of how to live a fulfilled life with inner peace and joy. Today, she is sharing those secrets with you.


Dolly is on a mission to help you develop a deeper love for yourself and find long-term solutions to stress. Her new book, Finding Your Lost Self, which is also available on AMAZON and her programs & Services will take you on a step-by-step journey to a happier, healthier, and calmer life with less stress. Please contact Dolly HERE.


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